However, even after these direct allegations, the Public Security Ministry has not explicitly accused Reilly or GSK's London headquarters of corruption in its statement.

"To avoid being prosecuted under the UK Bribery Act and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, GSK must show that the corruption was limited to isolated acts by some bad apples working outside GSK's controls, which is how GSK CEO Sir (Dr) Andrew Witty has portrayed it," the Chinese media report said.

Only last year, GSK had made a fine settlement of $3 billion to the US Department of Justice for unlawfully promoting certan prescription drugs and failing to report some safety data. As a British, New York-listed firm, GSK is subject to Britain's Bribery Act and must comply with the FCPA.